The Betty (839 W. Fulton Market, 312-733-2222) fits right in amongst the upscale-rustic vibe a lot of West Loop spots seem to have these days—it's huge, for one, with high ceilings, wood beams, warm lighting, and plush booths. And it also fits in amongst its sister bars, the two locations of Bangers & Lace. It's a nice, welcoming place that you don't have to dress up for.

It's also hopping. We came early in the night on Saturday, around 7 p.m., and by the time we left (before 9!) there was already a 45 minute wait. Clearly the neighborhood needed more craft cocktails (such as the Cobbler with apple brandy) and eclectic plates (fried cauliflower and clams and shrimp share menu space).

Here's what else we saw when we stopped in.